SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR CAPTURING AN OPERATING CHARACTERISTIC IN ORDER TO SET A POSITION OF A POWER-OPERATED, MOVABLE CLOTHING

Abstract

System (10), comprising: a sensor arranged adjacent to a power-operated, movable panel of a vehicle (15) for detecting an operator's (11) approaching the power-operated, movable panel and measuring at least one operating characteristic of the operator (11) located near the sensor; and a control unit (26) in data exchange with the sensor for evaluating sensor data of the operator (11) from the sensor to determine the at least one operating characteristic in order to set a position of the power-operated, movable cover based on the at least one operating characteristic, wherein the sensor and the control unit (26) consist of an electronic circuit board assembly (30), wherein the electronic circuit board assembly (30) includes a radar transmit and receive board and a main board (32), and wherein the radar transmit and The receiver board is rotatable relative to the main board (32).

Description

Field of the invention

[0001] The present invention relates generally to adjusting a position of a power-operated, movable panel for a vehicle, and more particularly to a system and method for sensing an operating characteristic to adjust a position of a power-operated, movable panel for a vehicle. Description of the state of the art

[0002] Vehicles, such as motor vehicles, have featured power-operated, movable panels for years. The power-operated, movable panels can include a power-operated, bottom-hinged tailgate, cargo door, or top-hinged liftgate. These power-operated, movable panels contribute to convenience and easy access to a vehicle's cargo area. The power-operated opening of the movable panel can be initiated by pressing a button on a key fob or a switch on the movable panel itself, such as near the license plate area or on a handle.

[0003] DE 10 2013 010 993 A1 discloses an object detection device for a vehicle for monitoring the rear environment of the vehicle, wherein the object detection device comprises a radar sensor for generating a radar signal containing information about a distance between the vehicle and a vehicle user or another object in the rear environment of the vehicle.

[0004] DE 10 2017 128 774 A1 discloses an optical sensor system for a motor vehicle, which is designed to monitor a monitoring area located outside the motor vehicle and to trigger the opening of a door or flap of the motor vehicle upon detection of a body part or object moved into the monitoring area by the vehicle user.

[0005] DE 20 2020 100 732 U1 describes a tailgate system comprising a tailgate and a power actuator that responds to a user opening command to open the tailgate to a variable opening height. A sensor is disclosed that is designed to detect objects and corresponding distances to objects within a detection range.

[0006] However, these methods present a disadvantage when an operator, such as a person, approaches the vehicle with full hands, such as with large packages or multiple bags. This does not allow easy access to either the key fob or the switch mounted on the movable panel or elsewhere.

[0007] Currently, devices exist that allow hands-free force to open the movable panel, such as kicking with one foot under a vehicle's rear bumper. These devices are typically located under the rear bumper to detect the gesture of kicking with the foot. Upon sensing a kick, the movable panel will begin to open. This presents a further disadvantage in that the person must maintain balance on one foot while kicking with the other and, if doing so with large packages or bags, there is a risk of losing balance. Another disadvantage is that after the kicking gesture is sensed, the movable panel will begin to open. This could cause the movable panel to brush against the person, possibly causing injury.

[0008] Yet another disadvantage is that the power-operated, movable panel, such as a tailgate, opens to the fully open position. Because the switch used to trigger the closing of the power-operated, movable panel is located at the bottom of the panel, it may be out of reach when the movable panel has opened to the fully open position. This prevents a shorter person or someone with mobility limitations, such as a person in a wheelchair, from triggering the closing of the power-operated, movable panel.

[0009] Accordingly, it is desirable to provide a system and method for better sensing the presence and characteristics of an operator when approaching a vehicle to overcome the disadvantages outlined above. Thus, there is a need to provide a system and method for sensing an operator characteristic to adjust a position of a power-operated, movable panel for a vehicle that meets at least one of these needs. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0010] Accordingly, the present invention provides a system and method for sensing an operator characteristic, characterized in that for adjusting a position of a power-operated, movable panel for a vehicle, the system comprises sensing an approach or proximity of an operator, measuring an operator characteristic such as a height of the operator, and controlling a distance a power-operated, movable panel is moved based on the height of the operator.

[0011] In one embodiment, the present invention provides a system comprising a sensor disposed adjacent to a power-operated, movable panel of a vehicle for detecting an operator's approach to the power-operated, movable panel and measuring at least one operating characteristic of the operator located in proximity to the sensor. The system also includes a controller in communication with the sensor for evaluating operator sensor data from the sensor to determine the at least one operating characteristic for adjusting a position of the power-operated, movable panel based on the at least one operating characteristic.

[0012] The present invention further provides a method comprising the steps of: detecting, by a sensor arranged adjacent to a power-operated, movable panel of a vehicle, an approach of an operator to the power-operated, movable panel, measuring, by the sensor, at least one operating characteristic of the operator located in the vicinity of the sensor, and determining, by a control unit in information exchange with the sensor, the at least one operating characteristic for adjusting a position of the power-operated, movable panel based on the at least one operating characteristic.

[0013] An advantage of the present invention is that a novel system and method is provided for setting an operator characteristic for adjusting a position of a power-operated, movable panel for a vehicle. Another advantage of the present invention is that the system and method can detect an operator and an operator characteristic for adjusting a position of a power-operated, movable panel for a vehicle. Yet another advantage of the present invention is that the system and method can be used to detect obstructions caused by objects.

[0014] Other features and advantages of the present invention will become readily apparent as the same become better understood after reading the following description considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Fig. 1 is a side view of a system according to the present invention for detecting an operator characteristic to adjust a position of a power-operated, movable panel of a vehicle representing an operator such as a child approaching the rear of the vehicle, in which a sensor is used to detect the approach of the child and a height of the child. Fig. 2 is a side view of the system of Fig. 1, depicting a child reaching for a switch on a lower edge of the vehicle's power tailgate. Fig. 3 is a side view of the system of Fig. 1, depicting an operator in a wheelchair approaching the rear of the vehicle, in which a sensor is used to detect the approach of the operator and a height of the operator. Fig. 4 is a side view of the system of Fig. 1, depicting an operator in a wheelchair reaching for a switch on a lower edge of the vehicle's power-operated tailgate. Fig. 5 is a side view of the system of Fig. 1, depicting an operator such as an adult approaching the vehicle's power tailgate. Fig. 6 is a side view of the system of Fig. 1, which represents an obstacle that comes into the field of view of a sensor on the vehicle's power-operated tailgate when the vehicle is reversing. Fig. Figure 7 is a partial cross-sectional and perspective view of the vehicle's power liftgate showing a sensor / control unit and console of the system of Fig. 1 represents. Fig. Figure 8 is a perspective view of an electronic circuit board assembly of the sensor / control unit of Fig. 7. Fig. 9 is a perspective view of the electronic circuit board assembly of Fig. 8, which represents a circuit board that can be rotated parallel with a fixed circuit board. Fig. 10 is a side view of the electronic circuit board assembly of Fig. 9, which shows the circuit board rotated out of parallel with the fixed circuit board. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT(S)

[0015] In general, the present invention relates to a system for detecting an object, such as an operator, of the type well-suited for use in many vehicle closure applications. The system for detecting an operator characteristic for adjusting a position of a power-operated, movable panel for a vehicle and associated operations of the present invention are described in connection with one or more exemplary embodiments. These embodiments are merely intended to describe inventive concepts, features, advantages, and objects with sufficient clarity to permit those skilled in the art to understand and operate what has been described.

[0016] The present invention provides a system that considers measurements of physical characteristics of an operator and performing an action based on those measurements. In one embodiment, the system includes a sensor for sensing an operator's approach to the vehicle, measuring at least one characteristic of the operator, and controlling a parameter of a power-operated, movable panel of the vehicle based on at least one characteristic of the operator.

[0017] In one embodiment, the system comprises a sensor and a control unit for a power-operated, movable panel of a vehicle. The sensor generates an object signal indicating that an object, such as a person, is detected in proximity to the sensor. The control unit transmits a panel control signal to a motor so that the motor moves the vehicle's movable panel along a path between a closed and open position while the motor receives power from a power source. The control unit communicates with vehicle modules via a data communication bus within the vehicle interior, such as CAN or LIN. The control unit itself can transmit a panel control signal to another vehicle module, which controls the current applied to the motor to move the movable panel.

[0018] Various methods have been used to automatically open power-operated, movable panels, such as a power liftgate, without pressing a button on a key fob or on the liftgate itself. Ultrasonic, radar, lidar, camera, and capacitive sensing can measure the distance and speed at which an operator, such as a person, approaches a vehicle. However, only radar, lidar, and cameras can determine the person's height and other physical characteristics.

[0019] With reference to the figures and in particular to Fig. 1 to Fig. 6, in which like numeral symbols indicate like parts throughout the several views, there is generally shown an embodiment of a system 10 according to the present invention for detecting an object or an operator, such as a person, and an operator characteristic for controlling or adjusting a position of a power-operated, movable panel for a vehicle 15. In Fig. 1 illustrates the system 10 and an operator 11, such as a child, approaching a rear or rear end of the vehicle 15 having a power-operated, movable panel such as a power-operated tailgate 14. In one embodiment, the system 10 includes a sensor / controller 26 ( Fig. 7) such as the type of radar, equipped with, or located on, in, or adjacent to the power liftgate 14. As the operator 11 approaches the vehicle 15, a radar control signal 13 from the sensor / controller 26 may sense the distance, speed, and altitude 12 of the operator 11 while the operator 11 is within a sensing or detection range 16 of the radar. If the operator 11 performs a predetermined gesture, for example, either physically raising an arm or pressing a button on a key fob to indicate that they wish to open the power liftgate 14, the radar control signal 13 may use the altitude 12 of the operator 11 as a method of determining how high the power liftgate 14 should open. By not fully opening, but at a predetermined height, as indicated by line 17 of Fig. 2, the operator 11 will be able to reach a closing button (not shown) that is usually located at the bottom or a lower edge of the power liftgate 14. On the other hand, the power liftgate 14 will open fully or to a predetermined, fixed height that does not allow the operator 11 to reach the button and close the power liftgate 14. It should be understood that this application for a child also applies to a person of short stature. It should also be understood that the sensor (control unit) of the power liftgate 14 is disposed "adjacent," meaning on, in, or away to a side, such as the left, right, top, or bottom of the power liftgate 14.

[0020] A predetermined gesture by the operator 11, as described above, indicating that the power tailgate 14 should open can be defined as a sequence such as: the operator 11 approaching the power tailgate 14 to a predetermined distance, waiting one or two seconds, and then moving the operator 11 back to a predetermined distance. Another sequence can be the operator 11 approaching the power tailgate 14 to a predetermined distance and performing an upward movement with one hand of the operator 11.

[0021] The ability of the sensor / control unit 26 to determine an operating characteristic, such as the height 12 of the operator 11, also has significant advantages in the area of ​​mobility. Referring to Fig. 3 and Fig. 4, the operator 11, such as a person in a wheelchair 18, cannot reach a locking button located on the lower edge of the power tailgate 14 when the tailgate 14 is fully opened. Again, there is a clear advantage here in being able to sense the height 12 of the operator 11 and consequently adjust an open height position of the power tailgate 14, as shown by line 17, such that the operator 11 can reach the lower edge of the tailgate 14.

[0022] With reference now to Fig. 5, the system 10 can be used to sense and respond to a gesture by the operator 11, such as an adult, indicating a desire to open the power liftgate 14. The sensor / controller 26, mounted on the power liftgate 14 of the vehicle 15, transmits the radar control signal 13, which detects the operator 11 approaching the vehicle 15. At a predetermined distance, as shown by the dashed line 19, the operator 11 could walk up to the vehicle 15, stop and wait one or two seconds, and then take a step backward. It should be understood that this movement or gesture is interpreted by the system 10 as an indication that the operator 11 desires to open the power liftgate 14.

[0023] With reference now to Fig. 6, another advantage of system 10 is that it can be used as an obstacle detection system. When vehicle 15 is moving backward, the sensor / controller 26 mounted on the power tailgate 14 will transmit radar control signals 13 into detection zone 16. If an object, such as a pole 50, is detected by system 10, vehicle 15 can transmit a warning signal to a vehicle operator or allow vehicle 15 to automatically brake to avoid collision with the object.

[0024] As in Fig. 7, the power liftgate 14 includes a sensor / control unit housing 25, a cover 23, and mounting features 24 for securing the sensor / control unit 26 to a bracket 22 of the power liftgate 14. In one embodiment, the sensor / control unit 26 is disposed in an interior or inner cavity of the power liftgate 14. In the illustrated embodiment, the sensor / control unit 26 is disposed behind an exterior surface 21 of the power liftgate 14 through which the radar control signals 13 from Fig. 1 and Fig. 3. It should be understood that the sensor / control unit 26 may be separate components or integrated with each other. It should also be understood that in another embodiment, the sensor / control unit 26 may be mounted outside the power liftgate 14, such as behind a bumper fascia, as shown in Fig. 6 is shown as an area with a dashed line.

[0025] With continued reference to Fig. 7 to 10, it is according to the invention that the sensor / control unit 26 according to Fig. 8 comprises a single electronic circuit board assembly 30 which performs a transmitting and receiving function as previously described. Fig. 9 and Fig. 10 show further embodiments of the electronic circuit board assembly 30 with two electronic circuit boards 31 and 32. Fig. Figure 9 shows a general detail of the printed circuit board assembly 30, which includes the necessary electronic components to perform radar sensing, computation, control of power-operated movable panels, and information exchange with a vehicle data communication bus (not shown). The printed circuit board assembly 30 includes a main circuit board 32 with a connector 39, mounting features 40, an electromechanical device 38 such as a stepper motor, a flexible circuit board 36 for electrical communication, and a fixed rotation axis 37. The printed circuit board assembly 30 also includes a radar transmit and receive board 31, shown parallel to the main circuit board 32. In one embodiment, the radar transmit and receive board 31 includes an electronic radar control unit 33, transmit antennas 35, and receive antennas 34.In another embodiment, the radar transmit and receive board 31 may include Bluetooth or some other wireless communication to transmit radar scan data from the radar transmit and receive board 31 to the main board 32.

[0026] When the power-operated tailgate 14 is closed and the circuit boards 31 and 32 are parallel to each other, the detection area 16 of Fig. 1 and Fig. 3 to determine if there are any objects in its field of view. In this situation, the field of view or detection area 16 does not change - it is fixed and is facing backward relative to the power-operated tailgate 14 of the vehicle 15. However, it is advantageous to be able to change the field of view in order to scan objects very low to the ground or very high relative to the vehicle 15. As shown in Fig.10, the circuit board assembly 30 with the radar transmit and receive board 31 is no longer parallel to the main board 32. If desired, the electromechanical device 38 can be activated to rotate the radar transmit and receive board 31 about a rotation axis such as that provided by the fixed rotation axis 37. The angle α 41 formed between the boards 31 and 32 will change the orientation of the detection zone 16 and provide a wider, more inclusive field of view. This is significantly advantageous when the vehicle 15 is in reverse, so that a small object such as a curb can be detected. Likewise, a garage door, ceiling, or other obstacle can be sensed when the radar transmit and receive board 31 is rotated in an upward orientation to prevent the power tailgate 14 from making contact.It should be clear that the angle α 41 of the radar transmitting and receiving board 31 may change based on the position of the power tailgate 14, or it may continuously scan to increase its field of view, such as when the vehicle 15 is in reverse.

[0027] In another embodiment, the circuit board assembly 30 includes a second rotation axis perpendicular to a first axis to further increase the detection range 16 to include left and right scanning as well as up and down scanning.

[0028] The present invention has been described in an illustrative manner. It is to be understood that the terminology used is intended to be in the nature of words of description rather than of limitation.

[0029] In light of the above-mentioned technical teachings, many modifications and variations of the present invention are possible. Therefore, within the scope of the appended claims, the present invention may be practiced other than as specifically described. List of reference symbols 10 systems 11 Operator 12 height 13 Radar control signal 14 Tailgate 15 vehicles 16 Scanning or detection range 17 Line 19 Line 21 Exterior area 22 Bracket 24 fastening features 25 Sensor / control unit housing 26 Sensor / Control Unit 30 Printed Circuit Board Assembly 31 circuit boards 32 motherboard 33 Radar control unit 34 receiving antennas 35 transmitting antennas 36 circuit boards 37 axis of rotation 38 electromechanical device 39 plugs 40 fastening features 41 Angle α 50 posts

Claims

[1] System (10) comprising: a sensor arranged adjacent to a power-operated, movable panel of a vehicle (15) for detecting an approach of an operator (11) to the power-operated, movable panel and measuring at least one operating characteristic of the operator (11) located in the vicinity of the sensor; and a control unit (26) in data exchange with the sensor for evaluating sensor data of the operator (11) from the sensor to determine the at least one operating characteristic in order to set a position of the power-operated, movable panel based on the at least one operating characteristic, wherein the sensor and the control unit (26) consist of an electronic circuit board assembly (30), wherein the electronic circuit board assembly (30) includes a radar transmitting and receiving board and a main board (32), and wherein the radar transmitting and Receiving board is rotatable relative to the main board (32). [2] The system (10) of claim 1, wherein the radar transmitting and receiving board comprises the control unit (26), radar transmitting antennas (35) and radar receiving antennas (34). [3] The system (10) of claim 1, wherein the main board (32) comprises a flexible board (36) for electrical communication and a fixed rotation axis (37). [4] The system (10) of claim 3, wherein the main board (32) comprises an electromechanical device (38) for rotating the radar transmitting and receiving board relative to the main board (32) about the fixed axis of rotation (37). [5] The system (10) of claim 4, wherein the electromechanical device (38) comprises a stepper motor for rotating the radar transmitting and receiving board relative to the main board (32) about the fixed axis of rotation (37). [6] System (10) according to claim 1, wherein the at least one operating characteristic comprises one of height (12), location and seating area of the operator (11). [7] The system (10) of claim 1, comprising one of radar, lidar, and camera for determining an altitude (12) and physical characteristics of the operator (11). [8] Procedure with the following steps: Detecting, by a sensor arranged adjacent to a power-operated, movable panel of a vehicle (15), an approach of an operator (11) to the power-operated, movable panel; Measuring, by the sensor, at least one operating characteristic of the operator (11) located in the vicinity of the sensor; and Determining, by a control unit (26) in data exchange with the sensor, the at least one operating characteristic for adjusting a position of the power-operated, movable panel based on the at least one operating characteristic, rotating the sensor to change the orientation of the detection area for a field of view of the sensor; and adjusting a position of the power-operated, movable panel based on the at least one operating characteristic of the operator (11). [9] The method of claim 8, comprising the step of generating, by the sensor, an object signal indicating that the operator (11) is detected in proximity to the sensor, and interpreting, by the control unit (26), the object signal to determine the at least one operator characteristic. [10] A method according to claim 9, comprising the step of transmitting, by the control unit (26), a control signal to move the power-operated movable panel along a path between closed and open positions. [11] The method of claim 10, comprising the step of communicating, by the control unit (26), the control signal with vehicle modules of the vehicle via a data transmission bus in the vehicle interior. [12] The method of claim 8, wherein the step of scanning comprises scanning the power-operated, movable panel by the sensor. [13] The method of claim 8, wherein the step of determining comprises determining by the control unit (26) a height (12), location or seating area of the operator (11). [14] The method of claim 13, comprising the step of adjusting the position of the power-operated movable shroud to a position based on a height (12) of the operator (11), and transmitting, by the control unit (26), a shroud control signal to a motor to move the power-operated movable shroud to the position. [15] A method according to claim 8, comprising the step of rotating a radar antenna of the sensor to improve the field of view.

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